The Quinceañera or Quince años (turning fifteen years old) is, for Latinas, a girl's
celebration of her fifteenth birthday which is commemorated in a different way from
her other birthdays. Technically, a "Quince años" is the birthday and the term "Quinceañera"
refers to the female celebrant. It also means turning into a woman but, in practice,
it has become synonymous with the celebration as well. The celebration highlights
God, family, friends, music, food and, dance. The celebration traditionally begins
with a religious ceremony (mass). Then, a reception is held in the celebrant's home
or a banquet hall. The festivities include food and music and, a choreographed waltz
or another dance performed by the Quinceañera and her father. The quinceanera, the
young woman, usually wears a pink or white dress at the festival.
It is customary for the Quinceañera to receive some, or all, of the following items
for her ceremony: a tiara, other jewelry (such as bracelets or rings), a cross or
medal, a Bible( prayer book), rosary, or scepter.In some ceremonies, the girl will
be wearing flats and will change into heels during the party to symbolize her coming-of-age.
In the Latino tradition, the celebration is a festive gathering with relatives and
friends, often preceded by a church mass celebrated in honor of the birthday girl.
For most Latinos, the "Quinceaños" celebration marks the transition from girlhood
to young womanhood and is the time when a "niña" (girl) is to begin being referred
to as a "señorita" (Miss). As in most Latino cultures, Mexican families proudly celebrate
the fifteenth birthday for girls as an entry into young womanhood.
